An Irish multi-centre trial will be performed with the aim of comparing two treatment modalities for patients presenting acutely with perforated non-faeculant diverticulitis. Pre-operative details, intraoperative findings and post-operative course will be prospectively accrued by the operating surgeon. All patients will be followed up for twelve months and primary (operative and in-hospital mortality) and secondary (in-hospital and post-discharge morbidity; rates of stoma formation; rates of re-presentation with diverticulitis with or without perforation.) end-points will be recorded.